Children and young people in Alice Springs and remote communities in Central Australia will have access to a range of free activities these summer school holidays.

The Albanese Labor Government is investing $3.2 million to support community organisations and local councils to deliver youth programs and school holiday activities for the next two years.

Across Central Australia, young people will enjoy a range of health and well-being activities, from AFL and basketball matches to dance-offs, musical talent showcases and ping pong matches.

Three eminent First Nations people have been appointed to the Board of Indigenous Business Australia (IBA).

Mr Darren Godwell has been appointed as Chair and Ms Leah Cameron and Ms Olga Havnen as Directors.

Indigenous Business Australia plays a critical role in advancing the economic independence of First Nations people through expert business advice, tailored finance solutions and investment initiatives that empower individuals and businesses.

The first round of grants is now open for the Albanese Labor Government’s new Remote Jobs and Economic Development (RJED) program, that will create up to 3,000 jobs over three years in remote Australia.

The $707 million program will create much needed jobs in remote areas with real pay and decent conditions, including superannuation and leave entitlements.

Eligible employers in remote areas can now apply for grants to employ local job seekers.

The new jobs will be identified by communities and provide meaningful work for employees and employers.

Fifteen remote First Nations communities are benefitting from free community-wide Wi-Fi thanks to a $20 million program by the Albanese Government to boost connectivity and bridge the digital divide.

The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program is providing communities in the Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia with improved access to online services, digital literacy, education and training opportunities.

These include:

The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion.

The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.

Led by co-chairs Dot West OAM and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, the Advisory Group is providing advice on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: to achieve equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.

TOM CONNELL, HOST: We're standing by to hear from the Prime Minister, which means we'll know what is the real powerful power of Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, in delaying him and letting us get out the most important news of the day, which is the Gorman-Falinski panel. Patrick Gorman joining me here in the studio, as well as Jason Falinski, and that wasn't a question, Pat, so you don't have to answer it. But answer me this, the polling is out. It still suggests your boss is just not all that popular. Is it different in Perth?

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to support on-Country learning for First Nations primary and secondary students with a $6 million investment in more projects under the Junior Rangers program.

The funding will help build on the program’s success in boosting school engagement and retention for First Nations students, providing practical skills in land and water management, and supporting pathways for young people to pursue future careers as Indigenous rangers.

The Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments have transferred the remaining parcels of land in the Kenbi Land Claim into First Nations hands, marking the end of a process that began in 1979. 

The Albanese Government welcomes this historic resolution to one of Australia’s longest running land claims.

The Albanese Labor Government has welcomed the repatriation of five First Nations ancestors returned from two German collecting institutions.

A cultural ceremony was hosted at the Ethnological Museum in Berlin to acknowledge the return of the ancestors.

The Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation returned three ancestors, including two Ugaram Le Omasker ancestors with provenance to Ugar Island in the Torres Strait and the State Museum for Nature and People, Oldenburg returned two ancestors.

KIRSTEN AIKEN, HOST: The Minderoo Foundation, founded by Nicola and Andrew Forrest, is committing $100 million to Australia’s first all-women investment trust. Future Generation Women will see leading female portfolio managers make investment decisions aimed at driving stronger gender equity practices in the community but also in the finance sector. I spoke to the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Women, Katy Gallagher. [CUTS TO PRE-RECORD] Welcome to The Business.